The Healing Powers of Tea
2020 didn’t exactly treat us well, but 2021 promises to be better, and January is always a good time to pick up new healthy habits. An easy recommendation: drink more tea.
A hot cup of tea can soothe the soul and warm you from the inside out, both important enough reasons to put the kettle on this winter. But science-backed studies have also shown that tea has –or at least has the potential to have, some incredible medical benefits, too.
Green Tea
Containing high amounts of antioxidants (up to 100 times more than Vitamin C!), green tea can be an incredibly powerful –and natural, inflammation reducer. In one study, drinking 5 or more cups of green tea per day even offered a 16% lower risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. It has also been shown to burn fat, reduce cholesterol levels, and even reduce the risk or severity of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
Black Tea
Smokers or those around smokers will particularly benefit from black tea as it has been shown to prevent smoke damage to the lungs. Short term, the high amounts of caffeine in black tea can also open airways by relaxing the smooth muscles in the throat, particularly beneficial for those who smoke or have breathing difficulties, like asthma sufferers.
White Tea
Made from the same plant as green and black tea but harvested and processed differently, white tea has other health benefits to its black and green counterparts. Specifically, white tea is less processed than other teas, making its levels of antioxidants even higher than black or green tea varieties and a fantastic free radical fighter. People that drink at least three cups every day have an average 21% lower risk of heart disease, 4% higher metabolism, and 35% lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
Oolong Tea
Coming in a wide variety of oxidation levels, Oolong tea has a wide variety of antioxidant levels that blend the health benefits of both black and green teas, including aiding in weight loss, lowering blood pressure, improving mood, sleep, digestion, and gut the microbiome; fighting cancer; decreasing inflammation and dental plaque; lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, cholesterol, and stroke; and increasing bone density and alertness.
Herbal Teas and Infusions
Not technically teas, infusions like ginger, ginseng, hibiscus, jasmine, mint, rooibos, chamomile, and Echinacea “teas” are referred to as infusions because they don’t contain actual tea but are instead fruits, seeds, roots, and herbs that are steeped in hot water like you would tea. Nevertheless, they have plenty of health benefits based on their ingredients and quality, including:
- Chamomile: high in antioxidants, which may help with diabetes, vision loss, nerve and kidney damage, and cancers.
- Echinacea: generally hailed as a great cure for the common cold.
- Hibiscus: can potentially lower blood pressure.
- Rooibos: contains flavonoids can may help combat cancer.
Leo Foods… a Leading Supplier of Teas on The Costa Del Sol
Whether you already have a favourite tea or infusion, or are looking to try something new, at Leo Foods, a leading international food and drinks retailer and wholesaler on the Costa del Sol and beyond, we carry just about anything you’re looking for. From a host of herbal infusions in your favourite flavours to black, green, oolong, and white tea varieties from quality brands you know and trust like PG Tips, Red Label, Taj Mahal, Dilmah, Ahmed, Yogi, Pukka, and more.
Pop down and visit us at our cash and carry warehouse or browse our full range of teas and herbal infusions in our e-catalogue.
For business operating in the hospitality and catering industry, we can supply your restaurant, café, bar, or indeed any hospitality business with a wide range of teas at competitive prices that will sooth the mind, body, and soul of your customers. Get in touch with us today to open a trade account and benefit from huge savings on our range of teas and multitude of other international food and drink products.
